Advice for people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
Coronavirus safety: Five-point guidance for people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
Research shows that if you are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background you are at a greater risk of both catching, becoming seriously ill and dying from COVID-19.
Here are some things you and others can do to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19.
- Know the risks
- Men are much more likely to die from COVID-19 than women
- Men of African, Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani heritage are more likely to die from COVID-19 than white men
- Black women are more likely to die from COVID-19 than white women
- You are at higher risk if you are aged over 65, and even greater risk if you are aged over 85
- Some health conditions also make you more vulner-able to COVID-19. These include diabetes and hy-pertension
- Understand how these risks impact on you and your family.
- Maintain good hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently
- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues
- Throw away used tissues
- If you don’t have a tissue use your sleeve
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Avoid contact with people who are unwell.
- Protect yourself and others
- Keep the recommended social distance of two metres where possible, one metre as a minimum
- Wear a face covering; you must do so on public transport and try to do so you’re if likely to be in con-tact with others
- Be careful at family or social events
- Think about others in the group who may be more vulnerable than you
- If you think you have COVID-19 stay home and get tested.
- Talk about your concerns
- Talk to your GP or call 111 if you think you have symptoms
- If you’re worried about returning to work, talk to your employer
- If you’re worried about talking to your employer, talk to your union or the Health and Safety Executive
- If you need emotional support see NHS Every Mind Matters.
- Stay healthy
- Your health matters
- Staying healthy reduces your risk of getting ill
- Follow the five steps to wellbeing.
Research sources: ONS Coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths by ethnic group, England and Wales: 2 March 2020 to 15 May 2020
Public Health England: COVID-19: Review of disparities in risks and outcomes
Public Health England: Beyond the data: Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on BAME groups
More information: gov.uk/coronavirus
Published by Essex Resilience Forum, July 2020
Essexprepared.co.uk